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How Long Does it Take Invisalign to Straighten My Teeth?

Complete Health Dentistry • Mar 09, 2020
invisalign

When comparing teeth straightening options, you've likely considered invisalign. Here's what your timeline will look like for straighter teeth.

Between the years 2012 and 2014, almost 1.5 million adults throughout the U.S. and Canada sought treatment for orthodontia. That was an increase of 16%. 

At least 27% of all patients are adults. Most adult patients cite new innovations and techniques that offer more options than ever before as their reasons to have their teeth fixed as adults. While the stigma is waning, there are also solutions like Invisalign that are barely noticeable. 

But what is Invisalign exactly? And how long is Invisalign treatment time? If you're wondering how Invisalign compares to braces, keep reading. 

We're sharing with you everything you need to know about what to expect with Invisalign.

What Invisalign Is

Invisalign are clear, removable aligners designed to straighten your teeth gradually. Unlike braces, there are no wires or brackets. 
Instead, Invisalign is made of a patented flexible plastic called SmartTrack®. The aligners are approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Invisalign is Safe 
Invisalign doesn't contain any of the following ingredients:
  • BPA
  • BPS
  • Latex
  • Gluten
They're clear, thin, and should fit snugly over your teeth. 

The Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are virtually impossible to see because they're clear. Knowing no one can tell you're wearing aligners means you can smile with confidence. And that can help improve your health. 

And unlike braces, you can remove them whenever you need to such as when you're eating, brushing your teeth or playing sports. 

And with no metal brackets or wires, your mouth doesn't get irritated or cut. Invisalign is a brand and while there are other competitors on the market, the patented SmartTrack is designed to provide wearers with a more comfortable and secure fit. 

How to Tell if You're a Good Candidate for Invisalign

Invisalign is the perfect match for most candidates. However, every smile is unique. 
Invisalign nor your dentist can guarantee a particular outcome.

Your Treatment Goals Aren't Too Severe

During your consultation, talk to your doctor about your treatment goals.
Invisalign can't always handle severe cases such as with large overbites where a more advanced orthodontic procedure would be necessary to shift the jaw. 

However, Invisalign is the perfect solution for the following situations:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites
If your case is too severe, your dentist may recommend clear or metal braces. 
 
Your Age

If you're an adult or older teenager, you're a perfect candidate for Invisalign. However, younger teenagers and children aren't always great candidates because their teeth are still growing. 

Older teenagers and adults appreciate the transparency of Invisalign. Especially in the age of social media where pictures are often publicly posted. 

Your Dedication to Fixing Your Teeth

Invisalign is both a time and cost commitment.

Yes, it's relatively easy to just wear the Invisalign aligners but the fact that you can remove them at will makes it challenging for some.

How Invisalign Compares to Braces

Braces are similar to Invisalign in that they both straighten your teeth. But there are some marked differences between the two types of orthodontia.

Braces have metal brackets. The brackets are glued to your teeth and tied together with wires and tiny rubber bands. 

Brackets can either be metal, clear or in any color you want. 

Benefits of Braces

There are several benefits to braces such as:
  • They're more effective to resolve complex issues
  • No temptation to take them out removing the need to be self-disciplined
  • No extra cleaning steps besides flossing and brushing regularly
However, braces can cause pain, discomfort, and sores. And there re certain foods such as sticky, hard foods you must avoid until they're off. 

Also, if you play active contact sports, braces aren't a good solution for you.

What to Expect at an Appointment for Invisalign

If you think Invisalign is the right treatment for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign-trained doctor. He or she will evaluate your teeth and then create a precise, customized digital treatment plan. 

Your dentist will explain the treatment plan with you. Once you give your approval, a lab creates your unique aligners. 

How Long to Wear Your Aligners

Each set of aligners need to be worn between 20 and 22 hours every day. Every week or two a new set of aligners should replace the old set. 

The new set gently and gradually shifts your teeth in accordance with your treatment plan.

How Long Invisalign Treatment Takes

Every case is different. For minor adjustments to fix overcrowded teeth, treatments might last only as long as six months. 

The more severe the issue, the longer it takes. Your dentist may also recommend removing teeth or using headgear as part of your Invisalign treatment plan. 

Typically, the average time for Invisalign to straighten your teeth is 12 months. You may need more or less time depending on your situation. 

Closing Gaps

Gaps between teeth occur due to the structure of your gum. Tooth loss or teeth growing in spaced apart can also cause gaps. 

Small gaps can take only eight weeks to fix. Larger gaps may require wearing Invisalign for longer than 12 months. 

And if proper retention methods aren't used, those gaps can reform. A retainer can prevent the gap from reopening after treatment. 

Severe Alignment Issues

When alignment issues involve the teeth and jaw, you may need to use several approaches to achieve the desired results.

Since more work is needed, you should count on it taking longer than 12 months to get the smile you want. 

Crowded Teeth

For mild crowding, you may only need to wear Invisalign for six months. However, if there's severe crowding, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend continuing to wear your aligners for a longer period until they're straight. 

While treatment may take longer, the end result is a beautiful smile you deserve to show off to the world. 

Treatment Length for Adults Vs. Kids

While some people may think that adults have to wear Invisalign aligners for longer than teenagers, the opposite is sometimes true. That's because some teenagers find it harder to continue wearing their aligners 22 hours every day. 

However, if you're an adult who neglects to wear their aligner for the appropriate amount of time, you too will have to wait longer for your smile to be fixed. 

Invisalign Is Often Quicker Than Braces

However, Invisalign typically works twice as fast as wearing regular braces will. With metal braces, the average treatment time is between 18 months and three years. 

Your dentist or orthodontist will schedule regular visits with you every four to six weeks until your treatments are over. 

How to Help Your Invisalign Treatments

It's up to you to follow the instructions your dentist lays out for your treatment plan. Traditional braces make it easier to follow instructions because they're not removable. 

With Invisalign, if you don't follow instructions, they can't work. Here are a few tips to ensure you're successful:

Wear Your Invisaligners for the Prescribed Time

You should wear Invisaligners for 20 to 22 hours every day.

Adhering to this rule lets your teeth move towards full alignment in the quickest amount of time. 

Stick to the Schedule When Changing Trays

Not changing your trays when it's time is the same is like not bothering to get your braces tightened. You won't see improvement if you halt the progression schedule. 

Carefully follow the sequence of trays. Wearing the trays out of order can alter the movement of your teeth. 

Have Patience

Don't expect dramatic results at first. Wearing Invisalign is a marathon, not a sprint.

Small increments work together to make big, beautiful changes. Don't give up. 

What to Bring to Your Invisalign Consultation

It's helpful to collect and bring some information with you to your initial consultation. One important thing to bring is your dental insurance card. 

If your consultation is with a new doctor, you'll need to bring or have your dental records sent to their office.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

You should also compile a list of questions to ask such as:
  • How will my treatment plan start?
  • Will you take a physical impression of my teeth or take a digital scan using iTero® scanner or a physical impression?
  • Do you offer a monthly payment plan?
  • Do you accept my insurance plan?
  • How much will my aligners cost?
Another good question to ask is how long the doctor thinks your treatment plan will take. 

How to Find the Right Invisalign Professional to Help You

It's important to find a dentist or orthodontist you like and trust. When you schedule your consultation, you should feel comfortable asking him or her questions.

It's also best if the office offers additional services such as cleanings so you don't have to run all over town for appointments. Make sure their office hours work with your busy schedule. 

Thankfully, many dentists and orthodontist offices have adopted procedures designed to help you feel more relaxed. There are also coping mechanisms you can use to help you remain calm.

Schedule Your Invisalign Appointment

If you feel you're a good candidate for Invisalign, it's time to schedule your appointment with a trusted Invisalign professional. And we can help. 

Complete Health of Dentistry of NEPA in Honesdale, PA offers Invisalign services and we'd love to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. Click here to contact us to schedule your consultation. 
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